3 Firefighters Hurt In Central California Wildfire That Burned 2 Square Miles In 2 Days

MARIPOSA, Calif. (CBS/AP) — Officials say three firefighters have been injured in a Central California wildfire that has burned through more than 2 square miles in two days.

State fire spokesman Daniel Berlant said Tuesday that one of the three is an inmate firefighter who was cut by a chain saw. Berlant describes the injury as moderate. He says the other two firefighters suffered minor injuries.

The Hunters Fire started Monday and quickly spread to the dry brush in the steep foothills of Mariposa County east of Lake McClure.

Berlant says more than 500 firefighters are battling the blaze on the ground. Air tankers and helicopters are being used to attack the flames from above.

Officials on Tuesday began urging some 50 residents in the area to evacuate from their homes.